Lockheed Martin has contracted ABL Space Systems as its launch provider for the company’s UK Pathfinder Launch project. Credit: © Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Aerospace and defence company Lockheed Martin has selected ABL Space Systems as the launch provider for the UK Pathfinder Launch project.

ABL Space Systems is a developer of low-cost launch vehicles and systems for the small satellite industry.

As part of the contract, ABL Space Systems will supply its new RS1 rocket and other associated launch services for the project.

The UK Pathfinder Launch mission is scheduled to take place from Scotland next year. It is designed to be the first ever vertical small satellite launch from the UK.

It also supports the UK Space Agency’s Launch UK commercial spaceflight programme.

UK Space Agency deputy CEO Ian Annett said: “We want the UK to be the first in Europe to launch small satellites into orbit, attracting innovative businesses from all over the world, accelerating the development of new technologies and creating hundreds of high-skilled jobs across the whole of the UK.

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“Lockheed Martin’s selection of ABL Space Systems for their UK Pathfinder launch brings us one step closer to realising this ambition – putting the UK firmly on the map as Europe’s leading small satellite launch destination.

“In this challenging time, it’s more important than ever that we support technologies that will help create jobs and economic growth, enabling people and businesses across the country to benefit from the commercial opportunities offered by the UK’s growing space sector and the many firms throughout its supply chain.”

ABL Space Systems’ new RS1 rocket will transport UK-based Moog developed spacecraft, which will deploy up to six 6U Cubesats.

In 2019, Lockheed Martin Ventures closed a strategic investment in ABL Space Systems.